Thoughts by TSR: The first teaser for Zero Dark Thirty was effective, if slightly underwhelming. This theatrical trailer maintains the effectiveness while giving a much better look at the players and style. Kathryn Bigelow assembled a tremendous cast, and this does a great job showing them off. Where this succeeds even more, though, is in creating tension. The cutting between various characters works really well at introducing us to the likes of Jessica Chastain, Mark Strong, Joel Edgerton, and Bert Macklin, FBI. It also makes it clear how big this whole operation is. Another thing this accomplishes is evoking a real sense of uncertainty that will keep the tension on high throughout.

So, with all that going for it this trailer is already a big win. That it also contains a fully bearded Andy Dwyer playing horseshoes and talking about Osama bin Laden just puts it over the top. This is going to be one of the last films out of the gate this year, but it’s looking good. Between the stellar cast, plenty of tension, and some nice cinematography by Greig Fraser – I’m especially struck by the shot of Chastain reflected in the framed American flag – Zero Dark Thirty looks like it has what it takes to be another terrific film by Kathryn Bigelow. And one worthy of the story it’s telling.